One of Chico's classic recordings for Impulse, and a weird batch of tracks that have an off-beat sound to them that's hard to categorize. The group includes Ernie Hayes on organ, Arnie Lawrence on alto, Larry Coryell on guitar, and a guest appearance by Archie Shepp on piano. Tracks include "For Mods Only", "A Trip", "Baby, You Know", and "Larry Of Arabia", and the bonus tracks "Chic Chic Chico", "Big Noise From Winnetka", "The Second Time Around", and "El Toro". Very groovy, and with a wonderful array of offbeat influences running through the groove! CD

A killer album of crossover soul from the mid 70s – one that dropped like a bomb when it hit, and gave this UK group a number of big hits in America! Keyboardist Rod Temperton wrote all the tracks on the album – and he's got keen talent for both funky numbers and ballads. If soul stations played album side specials the way that classic rock stations do, side one would be in heavy rotation – as it kicks off with the funky title cut, rolls into the hit "Boogie Nights", cuts to the sample classic "Ain't No Half Steppin" (forever made famous by Big Daddy Kane), and steps into the moody ballad "Always & Forever". It's hard to beat that lineup, but side two does a pretty good job – and includes a similar mix of titles like "Super Soul Sister", "All You Do Is Dial", and "Sho'nuff Must Be Love". CD

Michael Jackson's last album with his famous family – a set of electric 80s soul that's a bit different than Jackson's well-known solo work! In a way, the later Jacksons albums almost feel like a place where Michael can try out some ideas that don't fit as tightly into the overall sound of his own records – and there's definitely more diversity here than before – a shift between gentle ballads, beat-heavy tunes, and even a few rockish/poppish moments. Of course, we should probably be crediting the other Jacksons for their help in the sound here too – as they're certainly credited on the cover – but there's also less of the "many parts as one" sound than before, so it's hard to tell how they're working together. Titles include "The Hurt", "Wait", "Torture", "One More Chance", "Body", "We Can Change The World", and "State Of Shock", the big single, which features a guest appearance by Mick Jagger. CD

A sweet little set of some of the Jazz Crusaders' best sides from the 60s – a hip swinging selection of short, tight, and very well played soul jazz numbers – grooving hard in a way that was very big with the jukebox and jazz AM crowd! The set list features a good mix of originals and covers – all expertly played with a tightly snapping groove that never misses a beat. Titles include "The Young Rabbits" and "Freedom Sound". CD

A completely amazing bit of psychedelia – recorded in Vancouver by the very young Jay Kaye, who was just 15 at the time – but done with a sound that easily rivals some of the more trippy classics from the big names of the late 60s! The record's got this perfect blend of tunefulness and way-out modes – songs that are certainly sometimes as catchy as material by the Beatles, both other times maybe as blue as work by the Tims of the time, Buckley and Hardin – served up with instrumentation that often echoes Eastern modes, but in the right sort of subtle way – mixed with a bit of fuzz and echo. Way more than the usual obscure oddity set – one that truly has classic depth – with titles that include "Fly", "Break Of Dawn", "Little Children", "Speed", "The Times", "Magical Fingers Of Minerva", and "Dead". LP, Vinyl record album

The heady life and even hipper music of Sly Stone – told here by an author who managed to get Stone's participation on the project! The book focuses most strongly on Sly's rise to fame and key late 60s/early 70s years – a time when his records not only changed the face of soul music, but also had a pretty big influence on rock as well. Kaliss also follows Stone through some of his more obscure years, and captures him during his recent comeback moment, too – although we'll be the first to admit that the vintage bits are the most interesting. The book features introductions from Stone and George Clinton, plus a nice photo section in the middle. 210 pages, hardcover. Book

Killer work from one of the best 60s soul talents of the Windy City! Major Lance was one of Chicago's first big soul stars – crossing over big on the charts with huge hits for the Okeh label during the early and mid 60s – thanks to some great tunes penned by Curtis Mayfield, and stellar production from the legendary Carl Davis! In a way, Lance's sound was a key culmination of the modes that had been bubbling under in the hometown indies like Vee Jay and Chess – taken slightly to the next level, and brought more into the mainstream by Okeh. Many of the arrangements here are by the massive Johnnie Pate – who gives the record the same sort of brilliance as the best 60s Impressions work on ABC – and the titles include "Ain't No Soul", "Investigate", "Um Um Um Um Um Um", "The Monkey Time", "Wait Till I Get You In My Arms", "Delilah", "Rhythm", "Hey Little Girl", "It's The Beat", "The Matador", "Ain't It A Shame", "You Don't Want Me No More", "You Belong To Me My Love", and "Sometimes I Wonder". CD

Major Lance was one of Chicago's first big soul stars – crossing over big on the charts with huge hits for the Okeh label during the early and mid 60s – and really helping to define the Chicago sound that would rise to even greater heights later in the decade! This 16 track set is a great little overview of Lance's work for Okeh – and many of the tunes were written by Curtis Mayfield and produced by Carl Davis, a key team in the studio that makes for some really killer numbers! Titles include "Come See", "It's The Beat", "Without A Doubt", "The Matador", "Girls", "The Monkey Time", "Delilah", "Um Um Um Um Um", "Mama Didn't Know", "Ain't It A Shame", "Sometimes I Wonder", and "I'm So Lost". CD

The legendary unreleased LP album from Large Professor – recorded for Geffen in the mid 90s, finally seeing official release by Large Professor's own Paul Sea Productions! It's a solid effort, with a vibe that for some reason wasn't speaking to Geffen brass at the time, but it stands up now as a pretty faultless example of solid blueprint beatcraft by one of the scene's pioneers. Some of the production is laidback and jazzy, some has a more booming bass beat, and LP's rhymes are tailored nicely to his beats. Titles include "That Bulls**t", "Hungry", "I Juswanna Chill", "Funky 2 Listen 2", "Mad Scientist", "Hard", "One Plus One" feat Nas (not too far removed from his Large Pro collaborations on Illmatic at this point), "The LP", "Dancin' Girl", "Large Pro:Verbs", "Havin' Fun", "Spacey", "Amaman", "Queens Lounge", "Bowne" and "Big Willie". LP, Vinyl record album

A classic bit of Chicago house goes mainstream – and a suprisingly big hit from the late 80s. The main reason most folks bought this album was for Louis' "French Kiss", a sex-sound infused house cut with a "fast-then-slow-then-fast" groove that was endlessly dropped into mixes on radio and in clubs at the time. However, like late 80s house contemporaries Blaze, Louis actually turned out to be a pretty interesting soul talent when given a whole album to work with – and although "French Kiss" is on the beat-heavy "dance" side of the album, there's also a pretty interesting "romance" side that has some nice home-made late 80s soul tunes with great warm keyboard-heavy production. Titles include "Lil Tanya", "The Luv U Wanted", "6 AM", and "Brittany". CD

Little Brother returns with another head nodding batch of true school for the oughties – deep rhymes, smooth flows and 100% grade A beats whipped up from dusty crates of the best in the business! As always, it's refreshing to hear Phonte and Big Pooh deliver a gimmick free set from start to finish, reminding us it's not necessary to dig way down into the underground for to wash the taste out of that greasy kids stuff out of your ears. Khrysis is the anchor beat scientist on this album, with appearances by 9th Wonder, Nottz, DJ Babu, DJ Spinna, Kickdrums, RJD2 and others, and guest rhymes by Oh No, Kardinal Offishal, Rhymefest, Skillz and more! 16 tracks in all, keeing the Justus brand viable in today's crowded market, including "Can't Stop Us", "Delusional", "Life Of The Party (rmx)", "Best Kept Secret", "Do It To Death", "Too Late For Us", "Never Leave", "The Pressure", "Stylin", "Cross That Line (rmx)", "Back At It (rmx)" and "Time Of Your Life". CD

Marley Marl returns – and it's like he's never been gone! The album's a brilliant batch of tunes produced with a sound that recalls the glory days of Marley's years at Cold Chillin, but which also shows a tremendous respect for changes in underground hip hop over the past few years. Marley's got a host of heavyweight guest stars – including Roy Ayers, Edwin Birdsong, Big Daddy Kane, Capone, Screwball, and others – and the album's a mixture of vocal and instrumental tracks that include "Do U Remember", "Three's Company", "Spazz", "Who's Sicker", "Lost Beat", "Easy Type Sh*t", "What Ruling Means", "Hummin", "Big Faces", and "Foundation Symphony". CD

Massive! This is probably the best-ever album of rollerskating grooves – and is the most famous entry into a short-lived funk genre that sprung up around the rollerskating craze of the late 70s and early 80s. The rollerskate sound took a tight stepping funk groove from earlier years, and mixed it with the extended instrumental style of club music – creating a sound that was a mix of funk and disco that worked perfectly for skating around a track, and which had a huge influence on the beat of early hip hop. The centerpiece of the album's the massive sample track "Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll" – an instantly recognizable number that features tight vamping guitar and good choppy rhythms. The cut's offered up here in 2 parts – and the rest of the record's just as great, with titles that include "Roller Skate", "We're Gonna Funk You Up", and "Thinking About You Baby". CD features some great bonus tracks – the 12" version of "Bounce Rock Skate Roll (parts 1 & 2)", plus "Jammin Big Guitar" and "Rockin Big Guitar". CD

Excellent "a go-go" soul from Brit beat group phenom Zoot Money – recorded in a style that was very faithful to his roots in US soul and R&B, but with the usual UK touches. The record was recorded live at the Klook's Kleek nightclub in London – and it's got some of the best work we've heard in this mode from the time. Side two features a tasty "James Brown Medley" with some of James' best funky numbers from the time – plus a funky instrumental reading of "Mashed Potato USA". Other tracks include "Florence Of Arabia", "Chauffer", and "Barefootin". LP, Vinyl record album

An overlooked score from a time when Riz Ortolani was really making big waves on the international soundtrack scene – doing music both for films in his homeland and overseas – which may be why this gem of a record never issued at the time! The CAM label only put two tracks out as a 45rpm single, which makes the other 17 here a new discovery for the listener – a great suite of sounds that offers plenty of warm, wonderful variations on the theme – a number that has a slight current of sadness and sentiment, but never too much – and which is balanced out by a few cuts that groove in more of a mod 60s-styled way. CD features 19 tracks in all – handled with the usual care we love from Beat Records! CD

Maybe the standout album from The Petards – a German group who got their start during the big beat group boom, but who really start to trip out nicely on this album for Liberty! Lyrics are all in English, and sung in a freewheeling style that echoes some of the more soulful psych singers on the American and UK scenes – and although the instrumentation reflects the compact elements of the beat years, they're also filled with really wonderful touches that trip things out in the best way possible – especially on the organ and occasional flute! Songs are well-written and beautifully executed – surprisingly under-indulgent, and with a tunefulness that should have made the album more of an international hit at the time. Titles include "Mekka", The Dream", "Pictures", "Blue Fire Light", "Sunshine Rainshine", "Ruins Of Tookamoon", "Stone By Now", and "My World". LP, Vinyl record album

A lost piece of QB history, PHD was the duo of Poet and Hot Day Dante. Like Mobb Deep who'd make a much bigger impact shortly after these guys debuted, PHD peddle in your face east coast gangster-isms. A hard to find album, with mostly raw funky beats and even a nod to the old school with the big beat sounding "Snakes In The Grass" and the instrumental cut up "I'm Hot". 12 tracks in all, including "I'm Flippn'", "On The Dark Side", "Life On The Edge", "Set It Off" and "Do It Any Way You Wanna". CD

Prefuse 73 doing his distinctive thing – mood-setting, hypnotic beats that roll from raw and deconstructionist to big and boisterous – with plenty off off-kilter melodic touches between! The range from stripped down and mellow to dense and rollicking is impressive as always, and his way of putting such signature stamp on the craft of abstract electronics an spacey hip hop beatcraft is impressive ever. There's coolly layered vocals too that give it a lot of atmosphere. Titles include "Late To The Party", ""Gravure", "The World Is Bigger", "We Lost Our Beat Tape In Mecca", "In The Blood", "Silver And Gold", "Her Desire Is To Be Left Alone", "Transmission Of Eights" and more. CD

Prefuse 73 doing his distinctive thing – mood-setting, hypnotic beats that roll from raw and deconstructionist to big and boisterous – with plenty off off-kilter melodic touches between! The range from stripped down and mellow to dense and rollicking is impressive as always, and his way of putting such signature stamp on the craft of abstract electronics an spacey hip hop beatcraft is impressive ever. There's coolly layered vocals too that give it a lot of atmosphere. Titles include "Late To The Party", ""Gravure", "The World Is Bigger", "We Lost Our Beat Tape In Mecca", "In The Blood", "Silver And Gold", "Her Desire Is To Be Left Alone", "Transmission Of Eights" and more. LP, Vinyl record album

Sweet silky harmony soul from the trio of Harry Ray, Billy Brown, and Al Goodman – the group's first album under a new name – after some previous indie work as The Moments! The album's got the group really stepping up with a rich new sound – drawing on all the best elements of their New Jersey roots, but hitting harmonies that are even more sublime – and put together perfectly by Lou Toby's arrangements. This debut from the trio's a real classic – proof that the indie group soul sound can make it to the big time – and although the lyrics are a bit off-beat, but that's always part of the charm of the group. Titles include "The Way It Should Be", "Inside Of You", "Treat Her Right", "Deja Vu", "Another Day", and "Special Lady". LP, Vinyl record album

Reflex never had much of a long recorded legacy – but they certainly made their mark with this classic album of 80s electro pop! The tunes follow somewhere in the territory of contemporaries like Human League or Ultravox, but also maybe have a quirkier vibe that's more in the spirit of the indie scene – especially in the ways the keyboard lines and vocals take on all these odd inflections – maybe a nod towards soulful styles, but also a mode that quickly fell out of favor overseas – but which is also what makes the whole thing so completely charming! Titles include the big title hit "The Politics Of Dancing" – and "Hitline", "Hurt", "Couldn't Stand A Day", "Jungle", "Sensitive", "Keep In Touch", "Praying To The Beat", and "Pointless". 2CD version features lots of bonus tracks – "True Lust", "Hurt (12" Pete Smith emotional mix UK version)", "What You Deserve", "The Politics Of Dancing (12" ext mix)", "Cruel World (12" ext mix)", "Praying To The Beat (12" ext mix)", "Flex It (12" ext mix)", "Hit Line (12" ext mix)", "Cut It (12" ext mix)", "Hurt (12" John Luongo emotional mix US version)", "Politics Of Dancing (US 7" version)", "Flex It (7" echo mix)", and "Hurt (US 12" rubber dub mix)". CD

Although Buddy's always been a bit laughable, he was always trying to keep his bag moving, and his band of the late 60s included some pretty darn nice players. The group on this session includes Ernie Watts and Bobby Shew, and the band wails hard and fast in a live setting with lots of tight little numbers. Tracks include "Wack Wack", "Norwegian Wood", "The Beat Goes On", and "Mexicali Nose". LP, Vinyl record album

A 70s issue of 2 seminal sides from George Russell, originally recorded in the 50s. The first, New York New York is a wonderful album from George Russell – and a refreshing change from his overly-academic modernist work! The session's an unusual one – a musical portrait of New York City, performed with an all-star cast that includes John Coltrane, Art Farmer, Bill Evans, Phil Woods, Benny Golson, Max Roach, and Hal McKusick – all working together to paint tones on the tunes that George has crafted to set up his scene of New York in the 50s. Most importantly, though, Jon Hendricks acts as the narrator of the album – talking and scatting in hipster mode, laying out a bit of beat rapportage about the Big Apple, all done in a very cool 50s style that's a bit different from his own vocal work. Titles include "Manhattan", "Big City Blues", "Manhattan-Rico", and "A Helluva Town". And don't let the title of the second, Jazz In The Space Age, mislead you into thinking it's a record of bachelor pad musi. The set's one of Russell's finest recordings of the 50s, and it features some wonderful work in odd tones and scales, executed by another awesome cast of players, including Bill Evans, Paul Bley, Hal McKusick, Bob Brookmeyer, and David Young. An essential chapter in Russell's career, and nice to have in any form. Titles include "Chromatic Universe (parts 1, 2, & 3)", "Dimensions", "Waltz From Outer Space", and "The Lydiot". LP, Vinyl record album

A wonderful album from George Russell – and a refreshing change from his overly-academic modernist work! The session's an unusual one – a musical portrait of New York City, performed with an all-star cast that includes John Coltrane, Art Farmer, Bill Evans, Phil Woods, Benny Golson, Max Roach, and Hal McKusick – all working together to paint tones on the tunes that George has crafted to set up his scene of New York in the 50s. Most importantly, though, Jon Hendricks acts as the narrator of the album – talking and scatting in hipster mode, laying out a bit of beat rapportage about the Big Apple, all done in a very cool 50s style that's a bit different from his own vocal work. Titles include "Manhattan", "Big City Blues", "Manhattan-Rico", and "A Helluva Town". LP, Vinyl record album

The RZA's fine second phase career as a top notch soundtrack maestro continues with Afro Samurai – the music for the anime/blacksploitation hybrid starring Samuel L Jackson – and a varied batch of tracks that's really a lot more than the typical Ghost Dog/early Wu Tang style beats you might be expecting! Naturally, RZA does bring plenty of martial arts style and soul beat instrumentals, but there are also a lot of vocal cuts – which run the gamut from raw freestyle-like bits to atmospheric r&b. GZA drops in, as do pioneers Big Daddy Kane and Q-Tip! Titles include "Afro Theme" with rhymes by RZA, "Certified Samurai" feat Talib Kweli, Lil Free & Suga Bang, "Just A Little Dude" feat Q-Tip & Free Murder, "Oh" and "The Walk" feat Stone Mecca, "Cameo Afro" feat Big Daddy Kane, GZA & Suga Bang, "Take Sword Pt 1" with RZA & Berretta 9 and more vocal tracks, plus the instrumentals "Afro Intro", "Afro's Father Fight", "The Empty 7 Theme", "Afro Samurai Theme (First Part and Second Part)" and more. Several bonus tracks, too, billed as Bobby Digital! CD

A classic to end all classics – and the record that showed the world that the kung fu genre could be every bit as funky as American crime and action films! Lalo Schifrin's at the height of his powers on this set – working in a blend of raw guitars, rolling bass, and choppy rhythms that groove about as fast as Bruce Lee's hands move on the screen in the film – and the album's a real standout in the 70s soundtrack scene, well worth all the hype and attention that's been given to it over the years! The record's one you'll dig if you're a fan of funk, or a student of Schifrin – and even after the passage of decades, it's still a tough soundtrack to beat. Titles include the classic "Theme From Enter The Dragon", plus "Bamboo Bird Cage", "The Monk", "Han's Island", "The Big Battle", and "The Human Fly". LP, Vinyl record album

A big one for Siouxsie and the group – from a time when they were both pushing forth the darker corners of mainstream pop, and making a few surprising turns for the dancefloor tune! Some of the upbeat moments here crossed over surprisingly well in the clubs at the time, but even those still have all the trademark touches intact – fuzzy guitar, space around the edges, and those haunting vocals that were always the lady's greatest calling card. Titles include "The Killing Jar", "Rawhead & Bloodybones", "The Last Beat Of My Heart", "Rhapsody", "Peek A Boo", "Ornaments Of Gold", and "Turn To Stone". LP, Vinyl record album

While most of the true hip hop pioneers had fallen off by this time, Spoonie G actually did some of his best material in the mid-80's. The cut here is "Take It Off" – it's straight big beat hip hop, but with lots of cowbell-type percussion that gives a bit of go-go feel in parts. 12-inch, Vinyl record

Lost work from a really obscure period in the career of Mavis Staples – post-Stax, but before her big revival of later years – and a date that has her working with the Holland Dozier Holland time in a mighty nice mode! The classic Mavis vocals are very firmly in place, but the record's also got a warmer glow than usual – great arrangements from Jesse Saunders, who again comes to the record as a bit of a surprise – but really helps make a setting that's very fresh for the Staples sound, especially if you've heard as many records by Mavis as us! The style is great – almost like some of the coolest southern/modern soul blends of the period – and titles include "Love Gone Bad", "Show Me", "Falling In Love", "Beat Well Done", "See What You Started", and "Holding On To Your Love". LP, Vinyl record album

A well-titled set from the lyrical king – the mighty T La Rock, one of the key mid 80s MCs who helped introduce a whole new level of sophistication to hip hop! T La Rock maybe never hit the heights of KRS-One, Rakim, or other contemporaries – but this set has all the sharp fire and intensity that made that moment of new creativity so great – from the edgey production work and scratches by Louie Lou, to the extra help from Mantronik, and even the album's early appearances by Special K and MC Serch – which further the sense of collaboration from the streets that made some of the Fresh Records sets so great. Titles include "Lyrical King", "Back To Burn", "Three Minutes Of Beat Box", "Bust These Lyrics", "This Beat kicks", "Big Beat In London", and "It's Time To Chill". CD version includes four bonus tracks "It's Yours (12" radio mix-1984)", "Breakdown (12" version-1985)", "Breaking Bells (12" version-1986)" and "Bass Machine (12" version 1986)". CD

Titles include "Funky Beat", "Big Mouth", "I'm A Ho", "Five Minutes Of Funk", "Haunted House Of Rock", and "One Love". CD features bonus tracks "Magic's Wand", "Escape", and "Freaks Come Out At Night". CD

The big cuts here include Grandmaster Melle Mel & The Furious Five's full 12-inch version of "Beat Street Breakdown", Afrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Force's "Frantic Situation", and Arthur Baker's "Breaker's Revenge". LP, Vinyl record album

Another absolutely essential collection from Soul Jazz, this time out heading straight for the outer boroughs of the Bronx, Harlem, Brooklyn and Queens to document the fresh, fly, wild and bold rap tracks that rocked block parties and roller rinks from '79 on! 16 amazing tracks from the dawn of the hip hop age, seminal numbers over bouncing roller disco style grooves that'll have you digging out your Kangol, Cazals and that fat belt buckle with your initials on it. A few of these numbers are quite well known, but nearly impossible to get on vinyl, at least in their original format, but there's also a good dose of tracks culled from small indie 12"s that change hands for crazy money too. Plus the booklet is replete with loads of photos, great notes and interviews, and best of all, tons of reproductions of original flyers for parties and jams we can only wish we had the chance to attend! Includes "Spoonin' Rap" by Spoonie Gee, "Sure Shot" by Xanadu, "How We Gonna Make The Black Nation Rise" by Brother D, "Catch The Beat" by T Ski Valley, "Funk Box Party" by The Masterdon Committee, "Weekend" by the Cold Crush Brothers, "Big Apple Rappin'" by Spyder D, "Get The Party Jumpin" by Solo Sound, "When You're Standing On The Top" by the Super 3, "Are You Ready?" by TJ Swann, Peewee Mel & Barry B, and "The Ultimate Rap" by the Nice & Nasty 3. CD

Leave it to Soul Jazz to assemble another fine selection of grooves, bringing together a great batch of slick, jazz-inflected British disco tracks! It's the mid 70s and disco's four on the floor beat is starting to invade every part of the world, including the UK. The set's a wonderful cross section of songs, with nice less-heard nuggets by groups that hit it big in the charts like Heatwave's "Put The Word Out" and Imagination's "Burning Up", to loft classics like Atmosfear's "Dancing In Outerspace" and smooth soulful cuts like the Real Thing's "Children Of The Ghetto/Stanhope Street". A baker's dozen of crisp, modern jazz funk is included, with Soul Jazz's great attention to detail in every aspect of the package, including a nice set of liner notes that really puts everything in perspective. Other tracks include Hi Tension "British Hustle", the Olympic Runners "Solar Heat", Kandidate "What Are You Gonna Do?", a pre-Arthur Baker track from Freeez, "Southern Freeez", Central Line "Don't Tell Me", Gonzalez's fusion-y "Saocco", Light Of The World "London Town", Beggar & Co "Somebody Help Me Out" and FbI's "Talking About Love" with a few nice disco breaks in it! CD

A fantastic introduction to the world of power pop – that tight, fast, catchy style of music that came about at the same time as punk – and which flourished for a few short years as a more tuneful take on the sound of the underground! Some of the artists here hit big in the years before, others were later smothered in the world of 80s chart hits and music videos – but for a brief, wonderful time, the record racks exploded with great singles and album tracks like these – tunes that almost were a back-to-basics approach after the era of AOR and classic rock, but without some of the sneering attitudes of punk. Most of the artists here are American, and there's a few gems here from the early 70s – key tracks that point the way towards the golden era – all captured beautifully by Ace/Big Beat with their usual detailed notes and history on the music. Titles include "Let Go" by Dirty Looks, "Come On Let's Go" by The Paley Brothers with The Ramones, "Baby It's You" by The Boys, "Nothing Comes Close" by Bill Lloyd, "Better Than Anyone Else" by The Toms, "Nuclear Boy" by 20/20, "Rock & Roll Is Dead" by The Rubinos, "One World" by Utopia, "Andy Please" by Van Duren & The Jody Stephens, "The Trains" by Nashville Ramblers, "Shake Some Action (first version)" by The Flamin Groovies, "What I Like About You" by The Romantics, "I Need That Record" by The Tweeds, "Looking For The Magic" by Dwight Twilley Band, "Kerri" by Robert Johnson, "Radio Heart" by The Secrets, and "Teen Line" by The Shivvers. CD

An assortment of tracks recorded together under the Downbeat name, but which was really designed to showcase the budding jazz talents on late 50s Dot Records! The set kicks off with a big band, Basie-ish number – "Blues Over Easy", performed by Manny Alban and jazz greats that include Nick Travis, Gene Quill, and Jerome Richardson. Next up is the Tony Scott quintet with Jimmy Knepper – on a version of "Scrapple From The Apple" – followed by 2 tracks by Steve Allen – one trio, one with a quartet with Georgie Auld – "Rose Room" and "The Fast Thing In C". Paul Horn follows up with "Give Me The Simple Life" – and the set's completed by "Dougy's Buggy" performed by the Don Elliott Quintet, with Elliott on trumpet and vibes, plus bass clarinet by Hal McKusick. LP, Vinyl record album

A treasure trove of reggae, rocksteady, and blue beat work from the late 60s – all of it originally released under the guidance of producer Dandy – also a reggae artists of his own, with roots in Kingston, and working here with a big impact on the UK scene! The albums here were all originally issued on the Down Town imprint – a small sub label that Trojan Records gave to Dandy for his own projects – which resulted in the two killer compilations Red Red Wine volumes 1 and 2 – a great overview of some of the strongly soul-influenced sounds that were bubbling up in London at the time. Dandy himself is one of the key artists on the collection – and titles include "Move Your Mule", "I'm Your Puppet", "Reggae In Your Jeggae", "Got To Come Back", "Raining In My Heart", and "Can't Get Used To Losing You" by Dandy – plus "Red Red Wine" and "I'm Gonna Give Her All The Love I've Got" by Tony Tribe, "Someday We'll Be Together" and "Love Me Tonight" by Audrey, "Lover's Question" and "Spreading Love" by Gene Rondo, "Lead Them" by Desmond Riley, "Games People Play" by The Israelites, and "Song Byrd" by Lyndon Johns. CD2 begins with the Trojan classic Blow Your Horn by Rico & The Rudies – a classic early album from Rico – the legendary Jamaican trombonist who's gotta be one of the few people who can pose with his instrument and still look pretty badass overall! That quality also comes through in Rico's music – a famous lead trombone sound on countless Jamaican recordings from the ska years onwards – really given some great time here in the spotlight on a set of tunes that soar out with lots of rough rocksteady rhythms! Rico blows strongly and soulfully – on titles that include "Rico's Message", "Niyah Man", "Caribbean Serenade", "Jumping The Gun", "Mighty Dan", "Session Begin", "Biafra", and "Quando Quando" – and the album also features some guest appearances on "The Lion" by Dandy, and on "Muma Muma" by The Israelites. Last up is Your Musical Doctor – a full album with Dandy as the lead singer on his own – with titles that include "Touch Of Poison", "Everybody Loves A Winner", "Gumption Feeling", "Meeting Over Yonder", "Here I Go Again", "Come On Home", and "Run Girl". 2CD set features 51 tracks in all – with a few more bonus tracks too! CD

CD version of the 2 LP companion to Ego Trip's Book of Rap Lists. They did a good job of including a lot of amazing old school tracks (1983-1989) that maybe not everyone knows about – but should, including some that are nearly impossible to find on 12". Every track here is worth it, and most haven't been on other compilations. Tracks include "Holy War (Live)" by Divine Force, "My Mic Is On Fire" by Lord Shafiyq, "Marly Marl Scratch" by Marly Marl featuring MC Shan, "Get Retarded" by MC EZ & Troup , "Get Down Grandmaster" by Grandmaster Caz, "Step Up Front" by Positive K, "This Cut's Got Flavor" by Latee, "Droppin' It" by Bizzie Boyz, "I'm Not Playing" by Ultimate Force,"Do It! Do It!" by Alliance, "Brooklyn Blew Up The Bridge" by MC Mitchski, and "Beat Bop" (full 10-minute version) by Rammelzee vs. K-Rob. CD

A fantastic collection that looks at the relationship between American soul and reggae in a very unique way – not the early crossovers of soul and rocksteady in the 60s, but a big wave of disco-inspired sounds in the 70s! The set brings together some great Jamaican and British versions of American club tracks from the late 70s and early 80s, plus some soul cuts from earlier years – often done with rhythms that are slower and more bad-stepping, in a true reggae mode – but with songs and lyrics that are lifted right from bit hits by artists like Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and others! The mix of modes is wonderful – and maybe comes across even better than on some of the Afro disco records of the period – thanks to a great track selection, in the usual Soul Jazz standard. Titles include "I'm Every Woman" by Latisha, "In The Rain" by rRnest Ranglin, "Reggae Beat Goes On" by Family Choice, "Ring My Bell" by Blood Sisters, "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough" by Derrick Laro & Trinity, "Do It Nice & Easy" by Chariot Riders, "Don't Let It Go To Your Head" by Black Harmony, "Upside Down" by Carol Cool, "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" by Sharon Forrester, "Rappers Delight" by Xanadu & Sweet Lady, "Ain't No Stopping Us Now" by Risco Connection, "Am I The Same Girl" by Charmaine Burnette, and "Be Thankful For What You Got" by One Blood. LP, Vinyl record album

A really great collection of jazzy groovers – one that effortlessly combines older material and newer recordings, all with a great ear that never tires in its pursuit of the groove! The blend of old and new is a bit like some of the collections we used to love from Gilles Peterson back in the last century – but Paul Murphy definitely has his own style and way of choosing a tune, and like Peterson, he has a great way of setting a new sort of fire with jazz – one that will burn strongly for generations to come! Titles include "Yatra-Ta" by Terje Terasmaa, "African Mailman" by Rhythmagic Orchestra, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Blue Mode, "Foot In The Door" by Onward International, "Zombie" by Art Ensemble Of Chicago, "Emnete (live)" by Imperial Tiger Orchestra, "4 Beat Cha Cha Cha" by Lucas Van Merwijk & His Cubop City Big Band, "Tribute To Mulatu" by Patchworks, "Koumba Fri Fri" by Mamelon, "Sorrow Tears & Blood" by Shola Adisa Farrar & Florian Pellissier Quartet, and "Mambo De La Pinta" by Art Pepper. LP, Vinyl record album

A fantastic companion to the book of the same name by author Tim Lawrence – the excellent Life & Death On The New York Dance Floor – which explores all the cool strands of funky punk, avant rock, and arty grooves that exploded on the New York scene after the decline of disco! Some of this work might fall into the post-disco side of the spectrum, other cuts are maybe a bit more post-punk – and together, they represent a really fantastic wellspring of new creativity – at levels that were years ahead of their time! Titles on this first volume include "Desire" by Tuxedomoon, "Drum Mode" by Gray, "Saturn Drive" by Alan Vega, "Jam Hot (Rhumba Rock)" by Johnny Dynell & New York 88, "Big Business (dance mix)" by David Byrne, "Beat Bop" by Rammellzee Vs K-Rob, "Hold Up" by 3 Teens Kill 4, and "Go Bang (LP version)" by Dinosaur L. LP, Vinyl record album

British rock, but with plenty of soul – as these artists were some of the first in the world to be influenced by the sound of early Motown Records – then set about trying to create their own strand of Detroit soul! The influence of Motown on the sound of so many other scenes has been well documented over the years – but this cool little set gets right to the heart of the matter – by representing the kind of British singers and groups who were some of the first to revel in the spirit of Berry Gordy and his creations – then find a way to move things forward with new recordings of their own! As always with Ace Records, the set is way more than just music – as there's a big booklet of notes, with details on all the many tracks and artists – a double dozen selection, with tracks that includes "Sweet Thing" by Georgie Fame, "Mickey's Monkey" by The Hollies, "No 1 In Your Heart" by Herbie Goins & The Nighttimers, "Heat Wave" by Beverley Jones & The Prestons, "One Of These Days" by Guy Darrell, "I Want To Go Back There Again" by Bill Kenwright & The Runaways, "The Way You Do The Things You Do" by Elkie Brooks, "I'll Be Doggone" by Billy J Kramer with The Dakotas, "As Long As I Know He's Mine" by Julie Grant, "Money" by The Undertakers, "I Want A Love I Can See" by John Leyton & The LeRoys, "Stubborn Kind Of Fellow" by The Roulettes, "Every Little Bit Hurts" by Spencer Davis Group, "You Really Got A Hold On Me" by Small Faces, "Never Leave Your Baby's Side" by Tony Jackson, "No Good Without You" by The Birds, and "Let's Go Somewhere" by Beryl Marsden. CD

Peanut Butter Wolf gathers the Stones Throw masses – compiling all new, all exclusive ST tunes from veterans and fresh talent alike – for a heady companion piece to the 2K8 B-Zombie War video game from 2K Sports! We'll be frank and admit we don't know as much about video games as we do vulgar, latenight cable cartoons, but this is a tight stand alone set of fresh Stones Throw hip hop & funk errata. It introduces us to some future allstars such as Supreme Team, Dam-Funk and others – plus worthy unreleased material from Madlib, MED, Dilla, Aloe Blacc and more – plus the return of MF Doom, plus guest appearances by Q-Tip and Talib Kweli! Titles include "See" by Supreme Team (Madlib & Karriem Riggins), "Break It Down" by MED, "Make It Fast" by Guilty Simpson, "Lightworking" by J Dilla feat Q-Tip & Talib Kweli, "Legendary Lyricist Pt 2" by Percee P & J Rocc, "Mash's Revenge" by Dilla feat MF Doom & Guilty Simpson, "Action" (Rap version)" by Oh No, "Trouble" by Beat Konducta, "Find A Way" by Aloe Blacc, "Sidewayz" by Dam-Funk, "Basketball Beat" by Koushik, "Big Girl, Skinny Girl" by CZZ Kidtronik feat Rockola and more. CD

One of the dreamiest sets of sound library tunes we've ever heard – a sampling of work from the De Wolfe Sound Library, with a sound that's different than most other compilations of this type! While most sound library compilations focus on the funkier or beat-heavy tracks, this great little gem goes for the groovy and jazzy numbers – and picks the best of De Wolfe's light and breezy output, including some killer bossa and soundtrack-type cuts. There's a really jazz feel to the whole set – no surprise, as many of the talents were actual recording jazz players themselves, simply working in the studio for De Wolfe in order to bring in a little extra cash. The whole thing's great – really overflowing with great numbers that will show you that the sound library scene is still wonderfully under-tapped! Titles include "Gentle Soul", "Sandy", and "Dazzle" by Roger Webb; "Red Spanish Onions" by David Goykovich, "Boat Race" by Ludovic Decosne, "Holiday Job" by Simon Haseley, "Big Incentive" by Reg Tilsley, and "Up & Away" by P Kass. CD

K-Tel compilation with 10 tracks in all: "Raw" by Big Daddy Kane, "Beauty & The Beat" by Salt-N-Pepa, "Because I Got It Like That" by the Jungle Brothers, "Plug Tunin" by De La Soul, "Going Back To Cali" by LL Cool J, "You Gots To Chill" by EPMD, "Sally" by Stetsasonic, "You're Gonna Get Yours" by Public Enemy, "Paul Revere" by the Beastie Boys and "Vapors" by Biz Markie. LP, Vinyl record album

Music from Brenda Lee, Ann Cole with the Surburbans, Baby Washington, Katie Webster, Sandy Lee, Ruth Durand, Big Maybelle, Joyce Harris, Patsy Cline, Betty O Brian, Rose Maddox & more. CD